Understanding Colds and Flu in Kids
The way that I handle sickness in my house has changed dramatically from the first to the fourth child. With our first we would immediately run to Urgent care with the faint sign of a low fever- not knowing what anything meant. With our fourth child, it’s more about waiting it out and watching them to know when it’s time to get help. No matter how many children you have, when your little ones catch a cold or flu, it can be quite overwhelming. It’s essential to understand their symptoms and what they need during this time, especially as cold and flu season begins. Kids typically exhibit signs like a fever, runny nose, cough, and fatigue. As parents, knowing how to help them feel better is crucial. Also, you may want to grab a cup or three of coffee when sickness begins, as sometimes it means you are in triple duty. I’m with you mama…let’s dive in!
Effective Remedies and Mom Hacks for Relief
One of the best approaches on the way to relief is to keep your child hydrated. Encourage them to drink plenty of fluids, as hydration aids in their recovery. To keep my baby hydrated, I offer the breast or bottle whenever she wants., even if that means I’m not doing as many dishes or laundry. For my toddlers and older kids, I try to make a game out of hydrating them. Here are some fun examples to keep your young kiddos hydrated:
- Rubber band on the water bottle : For a kid that likes a challenge, place a hair tie or rubber band around a clear water bottle. The rule is: They must drink the water up to rubber band line to get to pick what TV show they watch. [Keep moving that band as they hydrate, and refill then start over] Here’s my favorite clear bottle.
- Freeze lemonade or their favorite low-sugar drink in these awesome popsicle trays.
- Give them plenty of fruits that contain water- the most obvious is watermelon. Try cutting into weird shapes to make it special using these cookie cutters.
- Hold a tea party for their dolls. Pour a little decaf tea into a set and everyone must drink (hydrate) around the table.
For congestion and cough, I always turn to a thick coating of Vicks VapoRub placed on the feet with socks over them at night. Many parents swear by the cold sock method, which involves placing cold, wet socks on their children’s feet to help reduce fever- however, I have yet to have a child let me put wet socks on their feet so let me know if you have found success in this!
Choosing the Right Humidifier
A humidifier can be a game changer during cold and flu season. It adds moisture to the air, making it easier for your child to breathe, and eases those coughing spells that are famous for arriving at 3am. Look for cool-mist humidifiers as they are typically safer for children such as this awesome one controlled by your phone app.
Remember to clean the humidifier regularly to avoid bacteria buildup. With the right tools and attentiveness, you can help your kids feel more comfortable and recover faster from their cold or flu.
Another go-to for all ages for congestion and coughing is the steam shower. You can learn more about it in my blog post here.
I hope some of these tips help you to care for your little ones during the upcoming sick season. Stay healthy ya’ll!
Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional, nor can I offer professional medical advice. I’m simply a mom of four and have 9 years of experience with fairly healthy children getting the common cold and flu. For professional health advice, please see your doctor.
